Ulster Rugby vs Cardiff Blues

MEET BRENDA BROWN

Brenda volunteers for Ulster Rugby, as well as for our 2015/16 charity partner, Alzheimer’s Society...

VOLUNTEER PROFILE

when my two passions came together this year and I decided to formalise the volunteering relationship and really get involved as a member of the Charity Action Team. I have been an accredited volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Society in excess of six years. Having received help from them from my mother’s diagnosis until her death I wanted to support other families experiencing the same or similar issues to us. I started with fundraising and now help with the Memory Walk, volunteer recruitment and I am a Dementia Friendly Communities Champion - basically, any area of need where I can assist. HAVE YOU HAD ANY PARTICULAR HIGHLIGHTS WHILE VOLUNTEERING? I’ve had a few highlights so far, such as getting to meet Chris Henry and Iain Henderson and talking to other volunteers and rugby fans from all over the country. I think I am most looking forward to the ‘Don’t keep it under your hat’ night against Cardiff Blues. This is a great opportunity for people to start talking about dementia and for everyone to join in

NICKNAME: Wee B FAVOURITE SONG:

Uptown Funk - holds great memories of the marathon walk this year. Dancing along the Sydenham Bypass as it blasted out, making my sister-in-law hide behind her hands! FAVOURITE TV SHOW? Only Connect FAVOURITE ULSTER PLAYER? Unfair question - they are all good! WHAT’SYOURFAVOURITESPORTINGMEMORY? Ulster Rugby - 1999. Need I say more? WHOWOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO BE STUCK IN A LIFT WITH? A lift engineer! TELL US AN INTERESTING FACT: I am shameless when it comes to promoting Alzheimer’s Society, even raising awareness by wearing my branded jersey while on holiday in Hawaii this year! (pictured) WHAT SORT OF VOLUNTEERING ARE YOU INVOLVED IN? I have been helping out Ulster Rugby over the past few years - selling calendars, collecting donations and even helping people figure out how to get their print-out to scan the barcode reader at the gates! I have found that a bit of chat and a great big smile increases the positive experience for all supporters, as well as generating a bit of extra money into my bucket! WHAT MADE YOUWANT TO BE A VOLUNTEER? I enjoy rugby and have been happy to help as needed over the past few years. I was delighted

by wearing a funky hat or a cool cap! For more information on Dementia Friendly Communities, please visit: www.alzheimers.org.uk

15